US raises security threat level for all commercial aircraft

WASHINGTON - The US government said it had raised the security threat level for aviation following Britain's announcement it had foiled a plot to bomb aircraft travelling from there to the United States.

US Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said the threat level for commercial flights originating in the United Kingdom would be raised to "severe," or red, the highest threat level and an unprecedented move for the United States in its war on terror.

Chertoff said the department was taking immediate steps to increase security measures in aviation in coordination with heightened British security precautions.

"For that reason, the United States Government has raised the nation's threat level to Severe, or Red, for commercial flights originating in the United Kingdom bound for the United States," Chertoff said in a statement.

"Over the last few hours, British authorities have arrested a significant number of extremists engaged in a substantial plot to destroy multiple passenger aircraft flying from the United Kingdom to the United States," the statement released by the DHS press office said.

British police said today they had thwarted a plot to blow up multiple aircraft in mid-flight between Britain and the United States and had arrested more than 15 people.

In response, Britain's security services raised its threat level to "critical" from "severe," the highest of its five ratings, suggesting "an attack is expected imminently."

"Currently, there is no indication ... of plotting within the United States," Chertoff said. "We believe that these arrests have significantly disrupted the threat, but we cannot be sure that the threat has been entirely eliminated or the plot completely thwarted."

"To defend further against any remaining threat from this plot, we will also raise the threat level to High, or Orange, for all commercial aviation operating in or destined for the United States," Chertoff's statement said.

"Consistent with these higher threat levels, the Transportation Security Administration is coordinating with federal partners, airport authorities and commercial airlines on expanding the intensity of existing security requirements.

"Due to the nature of the threat revealed by this investigation, we are prohibiting any liquids, including beverages, hair gels, and lotions from being carried on the airplane. This determination will be constantly evaluated and updated when circumstances warrant," the statement said.

"These changes will take effect at 4:00 am local time across the country. Travellers should also anticipate additional security measures within the airport and at screening checkpoints."

- REUTERS